Over the years, medical technology has grown in leaps and bounds. We can now treat conditions and diseases our ancestors never even dreamed of. One of the sectors that have enabled us to do this is diagnostic imaging using ultrasound. Since its debut in human medicine in the 1940s, ultrasound has become a useful tool in diagnosing internal body conditions and diseases.

Ultrasound is not only useful for humans but also for pets. It has been used to diagnose various conditions in pets for years. Like other medical practices for humans that have been transferred to pets, ultrasound works much in the same way for both.

Would you like to know more about ultrasounds for pets? Read on to learn this and the benefits it offers.

Why Would Your Pet Need an Ultrasound?

The main aspect of ultrasound that vets take advantage of is its ability to show the internal organs. It helps them look into the pet's body and check for issues with the structure of the organs. It also helps them check for blockages, tumors, cysts, and other issues.

Usually, vets perform ultrasounds in their clinic lab. Vets use ultrasound and other diagnostic strategies to decide what is wrong with a sick pet. Correct diagnosis is important to administer the proper treatment protocol.

What Are the Different Types of Ultrasound?

Vets use either of two main ultrasounds. Each has a unique target that dictates which one the vet uses.

• Emergency Ultrasound

Sometimes, the pet owner goes to the vet in an emergency, like a car accident. The vet will often focus on the chest and abdomen to discover the problem. They also check for any internal hemorrhage or a pneumothorax—when air collects around the lungs.

The ultrasound gives the vet a clear picture of the situation so they can take swift action.

• Echocardiogram

It is also called a cardiac ultrasound. It focuses on the heart and the structures surrounding it. It provides a clear and detailed image of the heart and pericardial sac. It lets the vet know if the heart is working correctly or if there is a malfunction. These ultrasounds require some additional calculations to interpret the results.

How Can Your Pet Benefit From an Ultrasound?

Here are some of the major conditions that an ultrasound can help with.

Cardiac Issues

When your vet discovers that your pet has a heart condition, they will often refer you to an echocardiogram specialist. As mentioned above, an echocardiogram helps vets check for irregularities in the heart's structure.

Abnormal Urine and Blood Test Results

One of the ways that vets know your pet may need an ultrasound is through urine and blood tests. If they show abnormalities, the vet may need an ultrasound to check the organs in the body for issues.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Illness

Ultrasound allows the vet to examine almost all types of soft tissue in detail for injury. Some common tissues that the vet uses ultrasound to check are:

• Tendons

• Eyes

• Thyroid glands

• Ligaments

• Fetal development and viability

If the vet finds anomalies in the tissues, they may use the ultrasound to help them collect samples.

For more on ultrasound for pets in diagnostic imaging, call Lone Oak Animal Clinic at (270) 554-0385 to reach our office in Paducah, Kentucky.